Afternoon session
Song: Oh My Father

**Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Matthew 16:24-25 – 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Church Service: Temple, Missionary work,

Church volunteers are sought for their expertise.

No outside copying of the church organization and no blind following can duplicate the results of the church.

Some latter-day saints forego serving others to focus on the world.

Satan desires to sift us like wheat (didn’t catch the last part)

We do not serve God well if we fear man and not God.

Serving others to be seen of others is a form of Priestcraft ”
2 Ne. 26:29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.”

Those seeking the praise of the world are working against God.

“If you want to be a lifeguard, you can’t look like all the others on the beach” (Correct me if I’m wrong)

Sacrifice is out of fasion? Entitlement is a big problem — even among the saints. What things do I think I’m entitled to? Am I being obedient to the law for which that blessing is predicated?

BAM! Take that AIG! – It’s obvious that the Apostles and Prophets are always up to date (and inspired) with what we need to hear, now.

Dallin H Oaks for President! Amen!

This life is all about what we can become!

Think of it, do we ever remember (positivily) in history that wasn’t a giver of themselves?

Have a more positive attitude while attending church.

Self-centeredness retards spiritual growth! Is it self-centered when I keep my comments to myself? When I don’t go out of my way to talk to others?

Be active, not passive in participation in church and your callings.

Bottom line: Lose yourself in the service of others. Forget yourself, and help others.

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**Elder David A. Bednar – The blessings of the Temple
If I were called today to be a stake president I would [focus on the temple and get members to the temple]
Every member of the stake to receive the blessings of the temple and go often.

The purpose of the gathering is to build temples.

Alma 26:5-6 – 5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.
6 Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.

Sheaves: Newly Baptized
Garners: Temples
Why should they be brought to the temple? (see vs. 6)

Baptismal covenant looks forward to the temple.

Servents will go forth from the temple armed with the lords power.

In the temple we more completely take His (Christ’s) name upon us.

We never built a temple without the bells of hell beginning to ring. I want to hear the bells again!

We are recipients of the Lord’s tender mercies. (tender mercies = blessings of the temple)

Doctrine and Covenant 10:43 – I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.

Notice the theme of asking good questions? From temple presidents and stake presidents? Hint: Ask around and remember the answers.

Protecting power of the ordinances of the house of the Lord (In particular, The initiatory outlines the protective power)

Protection is promised to those who have a NAME and STANDING in the temple.

The devil despises the purity of the Lord’s house

This life is a battle. The temple provides us with our armor and the weapons we need to fight against Satan and his angels. The covenants made in the temple give us the FIRE OF THE COVENANT (motivation) and protection we need.

Doctrine and Covenant 101:65 – Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;

Be worthy to be steadfast and look to the temple. Do whatever it takes to go to the temple. (I would add, do all you can to help others go to the temple as well.)

Cast away the things in your life that stand in the way.

The Fire of the Covenant will burn in the heart of every faithful member who frequents the Lord’s house.

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**Elder Gary E. Stevenson (Seventy) Michael Grace’s Mission President!!!!!!

Are we lost? Look, you are never lost when you can see the temple.

Eternal guide post for helping you have guidance in the mist of darkness

hmmm, temple recommend? Where did I hear that before?

As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us.

There is a temple here in Rexburg. Am I going enough?
What things can I do to make my home a temple? What can I do to reflect the feelings of the temple in my home? GRR, that TV (or anything that offends the spirit) is a menace. It must go!

What standards do I need to establish in our home? Fasting, Faith, Learning, Glory, Order => A house of God.

Say the word “Temple” reverently quietly, repeated.

Holy Temple = Home => House of the Lord.

I need to do better to make my dorm room reflect the feelings of the temple. Cleaner, more spiritual imagery, etc.

Home, family and the temple are so interconnected!

“I love to see the Temple” (primary song)

Families where the mom and dad frequent the temple bring the spirit and the FIRE OF THE COVENANT into the home where the children can feel it and be blessed by it.

We go to the temple to make covenants…We go home to keep them

We couldn’t have temples without prophets and Priesthood keys! (see Elder Neil L. Andersen’s talk – Sunday Morning)

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** Elder Jose A. Teixeira

Some of the greatest experiences of my life were declaring the spiritual gifts of my children during their blessing.

Our heavenly Father respects our will to choose. But you still can’t do anything you want. It must be in harmony with his will.

God’s work is stated in Moses 1:39. Our work is in D&C 11:20

“Lost satalite reception” – That’s similar to us losing the Holy Ghost’s guidance. (Spiritual Death)

I’ve noticed that I have become very sensitized — especially when it comes to TV programs. Try staying away from it for a while and you’ll be shocked when you go back. Even commercials. (The same thing applies to video games) They also get worse as they bring out new ones.

Those who follow the prophets receive the blessings of God.

“Follow the Prophet” – Primary songs are being mentioned a lot. Is that similar to the fact that we need to become as little children? and also how powerful the simple truths of the gospel are.

We need to remember the basic prinicples of the gospel and not get caught up in the things we don’t know.

Great talk on direction. Personal/spiritual.

Take time in your personal study to review the conference talks and seek inspiration on how you can use your spiritual gifts to bless others.

AMEN

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** Elder F. Michael Watson (Seventy) (former secretary of the 1st Presidency)

(story) give the reins back to the horse (Again, a parody on the Spirit?)

Wisdom of those who have gone before (Remember Pres. Packer’s talk from last night?) yep.

Search the commandments. They are written by those who have gone before. They are the words of God.

Joseph Fielding Smith – Where a question is asked, an answer is given.

Harold B.Lee – You may not like what comes from the prophet. But if we listen to these things the promise is it will be for our own good.
If it contradicts what you do or like to do, then you need to make some changes in your life.
Are there things I do that are contrary to words of the prophets? What are they? Get rid of them!

Spencer W. Kimball – The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on earth.
Ezra Taft Benson – Prayers of President Benson were always full of gratitude. Mentions of Joseph Smith.
Howard W. Hunter – More attention to the life of Jesus Christ. Every member temple worthy

Gordon B. Hinckley – I don’t have to talk to all the Prophets before me to know what they said is true. (?)

Thomas S. Monson -

Great reminder of how true the church is and how inspired the previous leaders have been.

The point of this talk, I believe, was to remind us of the importance of going back and studying the words of all the prophets. I have learned a great deal from listening to their words in a podcast http://ldsvoices.com/

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**Elder L. Tom Perry

– Member missionary work –
(story of lost sheep)
Where is the shepherd?

There is no substitute for a member-oriented missionary program

3 objectives for member missionary work so we are not “the missing shepherd”
1) Help the missionaries focus on teaching, by finding people for them to teach
2)
3) Open your mouth

How do you do missionary work in Rexburg? (Something to ponder) What golden opportunities are before me?
–for myself, I should be a better example. I need to be a better leader is gospel things.
–I think it is important to learn how to live the best we can so when we leave we can do missionary work… also stay in contact to people not from Rexburg
–Put your testimony on your blog so that others can read it. – That’s a good one, I’ll have to do that after conference.

Big one for me. “Open your mouth”

There is some work to do in Rexburg. Doubt me? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-_EvIHjSFU (Watch after conference –better yet, make sure the sound is off when you watch. The music is very irreverent )When did that happen? I have no idea.

Bringing souls unto Christ brings great joy!

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**President Thomas S. Monson

I have been richly blessed by your notes! Thanks!

“I urge you to study the messages, and ponder their teachings, and apply them” – Great counsel.

It is so important to study the conference talks. It is the way we can know the modern day revelation meant for us!

Conference is over now. Now the hard part is up to me. Take what has been said, remember what I have felt, and use what I have learned in my everyday life.

A word of caution to all: Adversary is using every means possible to take us down with him.

Internet!!! Use it for good. Stay away from Internet Pornography. (I would add that I’ve seen people addicted to Video Games (computer games) are easily led down to internet pornography issues) (Video games can also lead to glorifying violence, which was talked about at a prior conference, I can’t find the quote)

Temple is where we gain the strength to resist temptation both online and off.

Direct connection between temple attendance and combating the evil and trials of our day.

Constantly nourish testimony to be a protection to you against the adversary. (Rev. 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.)

AMEN!!!

“Till we tweet again… God be with you….”

Sunday Morning Session

**President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Today is palm Sunday.
This is a race of endurance, we need to apply and reapply the principles every day of our life.
Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We need to get off the sidelines, and practice what we preach.

Now is the time…
To be worthy to hold a temple recommend and use it.
To hold weekly Family Home Evenings.

The church needs you, we need you!

The seed grows into a fruit-bearing tree gradually.

This along with many other talks given at this session are focusing on a sense of urgency. We can’t just sit back and observe anymore. We have to do our part and participate.

The Atonement has the power to…
heal any wound.
bridge any gap.

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**Elder Neil L. Andersen (Quorum of the Twelve)
No man with more love than Pres. Monson.
It has to be overwhelming to stand and do talk after being called as an apostle.

The Lord will shape the back to fit the burden placed upon it.

Wives of the apostles are often talked about as angels (See Elder Holland’s talk from the last conference.) Do you view your wife as an angel?

Do you seek for influence or power? Be like King Benjamin. Just work and help out others and you’ll be ok.

Our responsibility is not trivial.

We must remember who we are and what we have in our hands. It is not by chance that we are who we are.

We are not alone.

Only here…
is the Priesthood of God restored.
is the Book of Mormon Available

We seek for so many things for happiness. Aligning our life with the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to find true and lasting happiness

This is my church and nothing shall overturn it

He lives!!!!
His servant is President Thomas Monson.

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**Steven E. Snow (Seventy)

What challenges are you reluctant to take on? Is there a class you are putting off? Do you pick the easy route?

How can we prepare for changes in life?

1) listen to the prophet
- prophets often raise a voice of warning
- prophets help us face the challenges that often face us in life
- follow what they say
“Whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”
2) KEEP AN ETERNAL PESPECTIVE
3) HAVE FAITH
doubt, fear, dread
Faith and doubt: Common theme this conference!
4) BE OF GOOD CHEER
- I have not forsaken you.
- Laugh instead of groaning – it will make life better.

Change is part of God’s Plan!
(For more info along these lines read the talk “Inconvenient Messiah” by Elder Holland – BYU Devotional Address.
“Come what may and love it” –Elder Worthlin Oct 2008 Conf.
The book of Job)

How do we manage changes that are out of our control? The Answer is the Same!
Get on with your life! Guess what, life is hard, get over it.

Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.

Be obedient, faithful, and cheerful.

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**Barbara Thompson (RS Second Counselor)

What ever happens in life, Jesus Christ has the power to save.
3 things to help us in our goal for eternal life

In order for faith to increase, we need to pray everyday (always!).
Good instructions given here for what things we need to teach our children.

Again, we must do these things throughout our lives (Elder Uchtdorf mentioned the same thing)

Basic principles apply to families of all kinds. We need to help in strengthen on others.

Fun FHE activity, I think I’ll try it with my 5 and 2 yr old

Scriptures, FHE, Prayer will strengthen families. This was also said in the priesthood session last night.

We should pray for our ward leaders.
We must serve each other
(This is your Phone Call! -Bishop Edgely Get out and look for opportunities to serve)

We must be fixed in our purpose! No lolligagging!

Atonement enables us to do his will. (great talk given by Elder Bednar in a BYU Devotional about this.)

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**Elder Jeffery R. Holland (Quorum of the Twelve)

Meant for everyone, but directed in a special way, to those who are ALONE or those who feel abandoned. Those who have lost or have never had a companion.

Elder Holland is talking about me–singles

In short, all of us in different parts of our lives.

The lonliest journey ever made:
Savior’s task of trodding the wine press alone.

Eagerness to walk with him would quickly begin to wane. How many times have I done this?

Pilot’s newly washed hands could never have been so stained or unclean.

Irony of Barabas. Very interesting and touching irony. Son of the Father.

It is wrenching to think that one of his special witnessess who sat at his feet, heard him speak and watched him heal, could betray him and all that he was for 30 pieces of silver

Never in the history of the world has so little money purchased so much infamy.

These are troubled times. What great examples Elder Holland is giving us to reflect upon ourselves. The savior is the ultimate example.

The savior, this perfect son
Christ had to know how the rest of us would fe el when we commit sin. He had to know what it was like to feel dejected and hopelessly alone.

Devine compassion is never with out reach…

–Summary–no matter who we are or what our position in life is, we can find comfort and strength through the Savior–

Truth, we will never be left alone, even if we feel that we are. The spirit will always be there to give comfort.

Christ had to not only die physically but also spirtually.

Christ will never again have to combat sin without aid and assistance.

This is a holy week! May we declare ourselves more fully disciples of Jesus Christ, even when our path is lonely, and our cross is difficult to bear.

This will go down as one of Elder Holland’s great talks on the atonement and how it applies to us in our life’s troubles — in particular as it relates to our loneliest times. Are there those we know that we could share this message with? Do we home teach anyone that could use this message? How can we apply this message to us in our times of loneliness?

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**President Thomas S. Monson

Global economy has taken a nosedive.

Turn thoughts and attitudes on our blessings as members of the church!

3 Examples (Parables):
1. Family: migration to Zion. Witnessing the death of your child must be excrutiating. I hope I never have to experience that.
2. Faith Filled Man.
3. Elder Benson. Post WWII Tour (When you thought your life was tough… wow!) Get down on your knees and pray! Despite your worst trial, you can be the happiest in the land! Because of the knowledge of a living God and the atonement of Christ.

Be of good cheer. (Steven Snow mentioned this as well) I have overcome the world.

He always has the greatest stories to share in conference.

There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us! Fear not (a theme throughout the conference), be of good cheer! The future is as bright as your faith!

Our love for the gospel will comfort and sustain us. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.